Hello, parents! 😊 Raising a child with Crohn's disease isn’t easy — I understand how challenging it can be, especially when your child can’t eat the foods they love. That’s why today, I’m sharing a healthy braised chicken recipe that's easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Traditional braised chicken can be too oily and spicy for kids with Crohn’s, but this version is made with mild seasonings and low-fat ingredients, making it safe and delicious for your child to enjoy!
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✅ Why Is This Recipe Good for Crohn's Disease?
Kids with Crohn’s disease often experience digestive issues when eating high-fat, spicy, or high-fiber foods. This recipe is designed to minimize digestive discomfort:
✔️ Low in fat – Chicken skin is removed and minimal oil is used
✔️ Gentle seasoning – Uses low-sodium soy sauce instead of spicy sauces
✔️ Easy-to-digest vegetables – Sweet potatoes and carrots instead of regular potatoes
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
✅ Chicken & Vegetables
- Boneless chicken thighs (skin removed) – 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Sweet potato – 1 (150g)
- Carrot – 1 (100g)
- Zucchini – 1/2
- Onion – 1/2
✅ Sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Maple syrup – 1 tbsp (or a small amount of stevia)
- Minced garlic – 1 tsp
- Ginger juice – 1 tsp
- Perilla oil – 1 tsp (instead of sesame oil)
- Water – 200ml (7 oz)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Remove the skin and any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
- Blanch the chicken in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove any impurities.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Cut the sweet potato and carrot into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the zucchini and onion into large chunks.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger juice, and perilla oil.
4. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- In a pot, add the chicken and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, add the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add sweet potato, carrot, and onion. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Finally, add zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Finish and Serve
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with a little more soy sauce or maple syrup if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
🥡 Storage Tips
- Store leftover braised chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- When reheating, add a bit of water to keep it moist.
🚨 Tips If Your Child Refuses to Eat
- If the chicken is too tough, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Add sweet vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes to make the dish more appealing.
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to make it easier for your child to chew and digest.
🌿 Ingredient Substitution Tips
| Regular Ingredient | Substitute | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Potato | Sweet potato, carrot | Easier to digest |
| Sesame oil | Perilla oil | Rich in omega-3, anti-inflammatory |
| Sugar | Maple syrup, stevia | Better for blood sugar management |
| Chicken thigh | Chicken breast | Lower fat, easier to digest |
🥰 Tips for a Cozy Family Mealtime
- Serve the braised chicken on a colorful plate to make it visually appealing.
- Let your child help with simple prep steps like cutting vegetables — this increases their interest in the meal.
- Play soft background music during meals to create a relaxed atmosphere.
❤️ Parent Success Stories
✅ "My child absolutely loved this braised chicken! It’s so easy to digest and tastes amazing."
✅ "The low-sodium soy sauce and sweet potato combination made this dish super flavorful. My kid ate it without any trouble!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is chicken safe for children with Crohn's disease?
A. Yes! Chicken is a lean protein that’s easy to digest. Just be sure to remove the skin and excess fat.
Q. Can I add spicy ingredients like chili paste?
A. It’s best to avoid spicy seasonings as they can trigger flare-ups. Stick to mild seasonings like soy sauce and garlic.
Parents, don’t pressure yourself to make everything perfect. 😌 It’s okay if your child doesn’t love it right away — it takes time to adjust to new flavors. I hope this recipe helps make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for your family!
👉 If you found this recipe helpful, leave a comment below!
👉 Share it on social media to help other parents with Crohn's disease meal ideas!